ALEX Walmsley is being hailed for his diligence after becoming available for selection before it was first expected.

Big Al has not appeared in the red vee since Saints faced Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals in April.

A hamstring problem and a knee injury which required surgery led to him having sat out almost four months of the 2024 campaign.

But Saints head coach Paul Wellens has included the man-mountain in his 21-man squad for Thursday night’s home Super League clash with Salford Red Devils, making him the fifth senior player to return from long-term injury over the three most recent matches.

Tommy Makinson and Matt Whitley got back into the groove against Leigh Leopards, and then on Saturday it was the turn of Morgan Knowles and Joe Batchelor to get back into the saddle.

“Alex is a little bit ahead of schedule,” said Wellens.

“He’s done a brilliant job in rehab. He’s very diligent in his work and he’s had to be for quite a lengthy period.

“It’s great to welcome back into the squad a player of Alex’s calibre and I’m sure he’ll give everybody a lift.”

Wellens added: “He had a hamstring injury that healed some time ago but then the knee injury he had locked up the more length of time.

“We made the best decision at the beginning for Alex’s long-term health and we hope having now had this surgery that his knee’s in a much better position than it was and he can start to string some games together for us.”

At the time of speaking to Wellens, a decision was yet to be made whether Walmsley would start the game or feature off the bench.

“Alex has always been more comfortable starting but also during his career there have been times where he has come off the bench. We’ll make the call on that in the next 24 hours,” said the Saints boss.

“He’s hungry to get back out there. It was the Warrington Challenge Cup game which was his last appearance.

“He’s raring to go and it’s testament to him on how hard he’s worked in rehab that he’s managed to bring himself back a couple of weeks sooner than anticipated. That’s obviously great for him but also for us as well.”